Soldier On! 2026

[Farmer X]

I have a desire to put my "U.S. Combat Knife" through its paces. Maybe you have a soldier knife that deserves the same. Maybe you want to prove yourself in something a little more ambitious than the usual 30-day challenge. Or maybe you have another reason for joining in the Soldier On! 2026 challenge.

This is not a typical MTo challenge, so it has a different set of rules (shamelessly copied, pasted, and slightly modified from Nix's initial post in the 2022 Soldier On! challenge):

General Order No. 1: Challenge operations will commence on D-day, 31 January 2026 (Local time). Operations will continue through D+89, 30 April 2026.

General Order No. 2: Participants shall carry and use one, and only one, Soldier knife for the duration of operations. Permissible models include all officially issued Soldier knife models from 1891 through 2008. Also permitted are Victorinox Pioneers, GAKs (108mm), OHO GAKs (111mm), and DAK’s (111mm). The "U.S. Combat Knife" is likewise permitted. Civilian models may be allowed if they do not differ substantially from their officially issued counterparts. (If your intention is to use such a model, please be sure that it will be accepted before you enlist.) As this is a challenge for knife-based tools, pliers-based tools shall not be permitted.

General Order No. 3: Participants shall keep their Soldier knives in good working order at all times.

General Order No. 4: If a participant’s knife is damaged, that knife will have to soldier on. If a knife is lost, the participant will be declared hors de combat.

General Order No. 5: Participants shall post a picture for each day of the challenge. If, secondary to operational conditions, access to photographic equipment or the internet is not available, the photograph for that day(s) may be posted at a later date.

General Order No. 6: All official daily posts shall be appropriately annotated for clarity with either the date or use of the D+X format, e.g. “ D+33: no uses today. ***photo here*** “

General Order No. 7: Sustained operations may be associated with boredom and poor morale. All participants are hereby ordered to have mandatory fun. To cope with boredom, participants are encouraged to participate in ancillary challenges (non-tool challenges) and/or in-challenge challenges.

General Order No. 8: As operations progress, additional directives and orders may be issued as conditions require.

I encourage reading through the 2022 challenge (linked above) as time permits. It was a good deal of fun. And even better, there is a really cool badge to be earned after the 90 days.

So, who's ready to sign their username on the dotted line?

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[nate j]

Not sure I have the attention span for a 90 day challenge…
 

[Barry Rowland]

Dan, I was part of the first gathering.  It was a good time!  I'll be up!

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[Barry Rowland]

Dan, I have an RAF 111mm Hunter, complete with NATO and RAF markings.  Would this count for a carry? 

[BPRoberts]

I'll probably go for it with it (model TBD), but I just want to say that Nix awlways did the best challenge prompts.

[Farmer X]

Dan, I have an RAF 111mm Hunter, complete with NATO and RAF markings.  Would this count for a carry? 

I looked it up on the SAKWiki. Whether it was issued to British airmen or merely procured under government contract is unclear. (Every knife or multi I carried during my enlistment was purchased out of pocket rather than issued to me.) But "produced under government contract" seems to be the key aspect here. The U.S. Combat Knife has an NSN, after all. The RAF Hunter shall be permitted. And I look forward to seeing it!

I'll probably go for it with it (model TBD), but I just want to say that Nix awlways did the best challenge prompts.

and hope to see your username on the dotted line!

Edit to add General Order No. 9: As this is a 90-day challenge, there is a possibility that enlistees may be able to earn 30-day challenge badges while participating in the Soldier On! challenge. The challenge host will defer to senior leadership (i.e. the moderating team) for an official position. General Order No. 9 is subject to modification or cancelation at senior leadership's discretion.

[Barry Rowland]

Mine were too Dan, with one exception being the SOG Power Lock.

Thank you sir!  These were actual government procurements. 

[gustophersmob]

Is far enough in the future it I’d hard to commit yet. Assuming life cooperates, I’ll join.  Is pretty well known the pioneer is my favorite knife pattern, so this challenge is right in my wheelhouse.

[BPRoberts]

Dan, could you take a look at this list and see if I'm missing anything (or added one I shouldn't?) Partially to help me wrap my head around what I might carry, and partially for other's reference. All blade lengths include tang, please remove ~5mm for edge length.

See wiki and LCSAS for more info.

Victorinox/Wenger Soldier/Soldat/Standard Issue:

1. 1890-1951: ~100mm wood or woodish handles: ~75mm carbon steel blade (clip point on early models,, otherwise drop point), flat-driver (no bottle opener or wire stripper) , LOBSTER CLAW OF DEATH CAN OPENER, GIANT SPIKEY AWL.

Obviously the coolest option, if not super available/practical. This is awlso the most minimalist option, with only 4 tools and no secondary functions. Only option if you want to go carbon steel/clip point.

2. 1951-1961: ~93mm wood or woodish handles: ~70mm stainless steel blade, flat driver (w/ wire stripper, still not bottle opener) SLIGHTLY LESS MURDEROUS CAN OPENER, MARGINALLY LESS TERRIFYING AW.

The same knife, but smaller. Now w/ hollow rivet for a lanyard if you'd like.

3. 1961-2008: 93mm Alox handles, "Dutch Army Knife", PIONEER: ~75mm blade, flat driver w/ bottle opener and wire stripper (either tiny notch or sharpened edge depending, cut off ~1993), half moon can opener w/ mini flat-phillips driver, flat reamer/awl.

THE GREATEST SCOUT KNIFE EVER MADE! This is certainly the most available option, being still in production and available for under $30 new if you can find a nice deal. Lots of minor tweaks/variants over the years, tons of colors. Sometimes bail/hollow rivet, sometimes keyring, sometimes nothing!

4. 2008-Present 111mm nylon scaled Soldier, Trekker/Trailfinder/Master: ~100mm semi-serrated, liner locking, (usually) one handed opening (thumb hole) blade (50/50, front half serrated), XTRA THICC LOCKING flat driver w/ bottle opener and notch wire stripper, half moon can opener w/ mini flat-phillips driver, wood saw, back side awl, backside phillips driver.

Awlso currently available, and the main locking option. Issued in slight variants by seemingly every army on the planet w/ some color/pattern options.

Significant Variants:

Non-OHO: Netherlands and others. Equivalent to civilian Trekker/Trailmaster/Finder.

Adds Scissors and front side phillips driver: Malaysia. Similar to civilian Forrester but with driver instead of corkscrew on back.

Non "Soldier" models:

108mm nylon scale GAK/Trooper: ~90mm blade, COMBO TOOL FROM HELL (saw, bottle/can opener, screwdriver, sometimes file, with a cover if you can find one), backside cork screw and extra pointy awl.

The most unique option. All the blades come out the same way! Nice big lanyard hole

Ruling/More Info Needed

1. For the Original GAK/Trooper: What's the call on other companies? There's a long list of companies who made them to the same spec, and that were AFAIK issued. These seem in the clear. However, there are awlso modern day "knock offs" (Mil-Tec's is the most common) that use the same design, but are not built to spec. I'd assume these are NOT covered. Double grey area for Aitor, which appears to have made actual GAKs to spec and still manufactures the similar (but not identical) Gran Capitan line.

2. For the 9001 weird 111mm variants:

See pics/list here.

Unsure where these fall on the "officially issued" vs "available on contract" scale. Major deviations listed below.

Malaysia appears to have a Skipper Pro (marlin spike, no driver or saw)

The Netherlands has a Dual Pro: Removes saw, adds curved/serrated "gutting blade":

How do we feel about Outriders to mimic the Malaysian model? Driver vs awl

"RAF Hunter:" Obviously issued, but can Barry confirm the tool set on this? Similar to Civilian Hunter w/ combo tool, gutting blade, no saw?

3. SOS Swisschamp: I'm seeing scattered references that these may have been issued as part of official survival kits in Germany (and possibly other countries). This one feels like a stretch to me, but including for completion's sake.

[Barry Rowland]

I carried the 108mm GAK on the last one of these challenges.  I'd love to see the Swiss Champ admitted in!

[z1913]

Would this qualify as a soldier knife?
https://g-military.com/products/victorinox-bantam-ecoline-saf-standard-issue-black

[Farmer X]

Dan, could you take a look at this list and see if I'm missing anything (or added one I shouldn't?)

I think you got nearly everything.

A can has been opened, and the worms are now wiggling around on the deck. I'm afraid Nix is going to come out of hiding for the sole and express purpose of kicking my ass.
I'll do my best to sum it up briefly. For acceptance in this challenge, I'll require solid proof that a knife not listed in General Order No. 2 was:

• Issued to individual members of a military
• Issued to units/departments/divisions/work-centers/etc.
• Available for procurement through government channels
• Given a government stock number

(Note that it is entirely possible that knives issued a government stock number may have been planned for issue or procurement but never got to that point. As anyone who's been a government employee or contractor is likely aware, there are endless possibilities as to why that may happen.)

I'd love to see the Swiss Champ admitted in!

Would this qualify as a soldier knife?

The jury is still out on those two, as I haven't seen solid proof that they satisfy requirements for the challenge. The same is true of many of the "9001 weird 111mm variants" mentioned by BPRoberts. If you can provide the requisite proof for a knife you'd like to use, it will be allowed. I have a good idea who might have the proof, or at least a good idea of where to look, but I won't mention his name just yet.

The civilian equivalent part of the equation is a little easier to solve. If the functional differences between a civilian model and its nearest military equivalent are minimal or nonexistent, it's a go. For example, keyring vs. lanyard tube vs. neither of those on a Pioneer is a very minor difference from a Pioneer. Similarly, a one-hand Trekker with a combo edge and no scale tools is functionally identical to a 2008 Soldier. The Pioneer X's scissors present a significant functional difference compared to a 1961 Soldier. The same is true for the corkscrew on the SwissBianco Soldiers. Likewise, an Outrider would be functionally different enough from the Malaysian Army Knife, as the former has a corkscrew and the latter has a back-layer Phillips.

Things seem to have gotten more complicated than I figured they would. In an effort to remove another possible complication, this challenge will be restricted to knives produced in Switzerland.

My intent was to clear things up, rather than further muddy the waters. I hope I succeeded.

[BPRoberts]

I think I'll wait for the dust to settle on people finding NSNs, paperwork, etc. then try to provide a "definitive" list when we get closer. Currently leaning towards either going awl the way back and taking my '43 or doing a 111, since I don't think I've ever carried one of those for a whole month (or 3) and I've done the 108s and multiple 93/scout challenges. Did some poking around to try and look at NSNs, but didn't have much luck (hard to tell which knife, pocket is which). Did see a listing for an Atlas, which I'd never heard of anyone issuing.

[gustophersmob]

I think you got nearly everything.

A can has been opened, and the worms are now wiggling around on the deck. I'm afraid Nix is going to come out of hiding for the sole and express purpose of kicking my ass.
I'll do my best to sum it up briefly. For acceptance in this challenge, I'll require solid proof that a knife not listed in General Order No. 2 was:

• Issued to individual members of a military
• Issued to units/departments/divisions/work-centers/etc.
• Available for procurement through government channels
• Given a government stock number

(Note that it is entirely possible that knives issued a government stock number may have been planned for issue or procurement but never got to that point. As anyone who's been a government employee or contractor is likely aware, there are endless possibilities as to why that may happen.)
The jury is still out on those two, as I haven't seen solid proof that they satisfy requirements for the challenge. The same is true of many of the "9001 weird 111mm variants" mentioned by BPRoberts. If you can provide the requisite proof for a knife you'd like to use, it will be allowed. I have a good idea who might have the proof, or at least a good idea of where to look, but I won't mention his name just yet.

The civilian equivalent part of the equation is a little easier to solve. If the functional differences between a civilian model and its nearest military equivalent are minimal or nonexistent, it's a go. For example, keyring vs. lanyard tube vs. neither of those on a Pioneer is a very minor difference from a Pioneer. Similarly, a one-hand Trekker with a combo edge and no scale tools is functionally identical to a 2008 Soldier. The Pioneer X's scissors present a significant functional difference compared to a 1961 Soldier. The same is true for the corkscrew on the SwissBianco Soldiers. Likewise, an Outrider would be functionally different enough from the Malaysian Army Knife, as the former has a corkscrew and the latter has a back-layer Phillips.

Things seem to have gotten more complicated than I figured they would. In an effort to remove another possible complication, this challenge will be restricted to knives produced in Switzerland.

My intent was to clear things up, rather than further muddy the waters. I hope I succeeded.

Can you clarify what’s you intend by #3 - available for procurement through govt channels?

As I understand it, a PX is a government run thing, and you can get all kinds of non-issued items there, which I would assume includes SAKs. I doubt this is what you had in mind, so I figured I’d ask.

[ReamerPunch]

For the 2022 Soldier On Challenge I carried my OHO Trekker, which was allowed.

[Farmer X]

As I understand it, a PX is a government run thing, and you can get all kinds of non-issued items there, which I would assume includes SAKs. I doubt this is what you had in mind...

You are correct. An Exchange was not at all what I had in mind. I should have added "for official use," "under a government purchase order," or a similar statement to criterion 3. And I don't remember ever having seen SAKs on offer at any of the Navy Exchanges, or either of the sip's stores, I visited during my service.

[Farmer X]

I have reached out to senior leadership regarding General Order No. 9. When they have issued forth their ruling, it shall be posted here. I don't anticipate enlistees who already have the 90-day Soldier badge having any difficulty earning another badge or badges while participating in this challenge.

Did see a listing for an Atlas, which I'd never heard of anyone issuing.

Can't believe I missed that earlier. I've never heard of an Atlas being issued, either. That could be one of those deals that fell through in the 11th hour. Where did you run across that particular listing?

[Barry Rowland]

Speaking for myself, I'm doing it because it gives me a chance to use a 111 and have some fun with some really good people!

[Antti Lammi]

How about SwissTool and MP600 models what has been issued by military?

[Farmer X]

Speaking for myself, I'm doing it because it gives me a chance to use a 111 and have some fun with some really good people!

on both counts.

How about SwissTool and MP600 models what has been issued by military?

While it is a nice idea, and SwissTools and MP600s have unquestionably been military issue, the spirit of this challenge is knife-based tools only. Though a military-themed challenge for pliers-based multis is a good idea.

Senior leadership has set forth a ruling, and General Order No. 9 is modified accordingly.

General Order No. 9: As this is a 90-day challenge, there is a possibility that enlistees may be able to earn 30-day challenge badges while participating in the Soldier On! challenge. Enlistees who do not have the 90-day Soldier badge and seek to earn it shall not request another badge during the course of operations. e.g, an enlistee carrying a Pioneer may not attempt to earn the Minimal SAK challenge badge in March while the 90-day Soldier challenge is ongoing. However, enlistees who have previously completed the 90-day challenges may earn other badges in concurrent challenges, provided use of the enlistee's chosen Soldier Knife is accepted in another challenge. e.g, I will be using a U.S. Combat Knife, so I will be eligible to earn the Combo Edge badge if that challenge is run in February.  The challenge host will defer to senior leadership (i.e. the moderating team) for an official position. General Order No. 9 is subject to modification or cancelation at senior leadership's discretion.

I am also adding General Order No. 10: Enlistees who, for whatever reason, feel they may not be able to complete a 90-day challenge are welcome to join in for 30 days and earn the 30-day Soldier badge. We shall call such enlistees "reservists."

[BPRoberts]

For what it's worth, I think limiting it to the "core" models (1890, 1951, 1961, 2008, and maybe the 111 GAK) and their civilian versions is more than reasonable.

https://www.nsnlookup.com/nato/nato-stock-numbers/inc/53408

[Farmer X]

That, plus the RAF Hunter, makes for a good comprehensive list. General Order No. 2 is hereby amended (amendment bolded).

General Order No. 2: Participants shall carry and use one, and only one, Soldier knife for the duration of operations. Permissible models include all officially issued Soldier knife models from 1891 through 2008. Also permitted are Victorinox Pioneers, GAKs (108mm), OHO GAKs (111mm), and DAK’s (111mm). The "U.S. Combat Knife" and RAF Hunter are likewise permitted. Civilian models may be allowed if they do not differ substantially from have layer tools identical to their officially issued counterparts. (If your intention is to use such a model, please be sure that it will be accepted before you enlist.) As this is a challenge for knife-based tools, pliers-based tools shall not be permitted.

I reviewed much of the link in BPRoberts' above post. Sure enough, it lists "Victorinox Atlas" as having NSN 5110-43-001-1609, so I Googled it. Only one hit was returned. Based on the preponderance of evidence standard, I believe there is more than enough reasonable doubt that the Atlas was available through any government channel save for an Exchange. It was also surprising to see an NSN for a Leatherman Juice CS4, which is not what springs readily to mind when I picture a military multi-tool. Yet it's unsurprising on the basis that just about every Leatherman under the sun (as well as a good many Gerbers) will have an associated NSN.

[Fast Bill]

If it helps the RAF Hunter was, as I've read online, part of an RAF helicopter emergency pack and it's NSN was 27C/7018504 marked on the main blade.

[Barry Rowland]

Phil, thank you for the one you sent my way so long ago.  It's my favorite 111!  You have a beautiful collection of them!

If it helps the RAF Hunter was, as I've read online, part of an RAF helicopter emergency pack and it's NSN was 27C/7018504 marked on the main blade.

[Farmer X]

  If I weren't broke and Royal Mail weren't being smurfholes, I'd be tempted to see about a deal...

[Fast Bill]

Phil, thank you for the one you sent my way so long ago.  It's my favorite 111!  You have a beautiful collection of them!

My pleasure Barry,  I can't think of a more deserving home and you'll always have more chance to carry than me I reckon. 

[rep]

What is a U.S. Combat Knife?  A Mil-K, like the Camillus 1760?

[Antti Lammi]

I could join this challenge with 108mm GAK or 111mm GAK.

[Mattexian]

What is a U.S. Combat Knife?  A Mil-K, like the Camillus 1760?

I believe that refers to the currently available Vic OHT with blacked out blades and the OD dual density scales, featuring a bold U.S. stamped on the scales.

[Farmer X]

I believe that refers to the currently available Vic OHT with blacked out blades and the OD dual density scales, featuring a bold U.S. stamped on the scales.

You are 100% correct.

I could join this challenge with 108mm GAK or 111mm GAK.

I'd love to have you join in!